- Visit
- Animals
- Events & Rentals
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ProgramsPrograms Learn at the Zoo with spring and summer camps, or bring the Zoo to you in your home or classroom!
- Field Trips Come explore wildlife in nature's own classroom
- Zoo Camps Year-round camps for spring, summer, fall and winter breaks
- Zoo Krewe Volunteer program for teens, with hands-on training
- Safari Night Learn about the Zoo's animals on an overnight adventure
- Zoo & Me Morning Animal encounters and art projects for 3 to 5 year-olds
- Zoo Mobile Bring the Zoo to your classroom with educational visits
- Project Ark STEM education programs for EBR school grades 1-5
- Virtual Programs Educational videos and resources for offsite learning
- Educator's Guide
- Silent Auction Requests For qualifying non-profit organizations
- Support
Support Get involved with the Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation by supporting the Zoo's major events, wildlife conservation efforts, volunteering, and more.- Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation 501(c)3 non-profit supporting the Zoo's major events
- Donate Make an immediate impact on the Zoo with a tax-deductible gift
- Amazon Wish List Purchase toys, treats and other fun items for animals
- Volunteering Fun, challenging, and rewarding opportunities
- Conservation Efforts Learn about the Zoo's conservation efforts and how you can help
- Sponsorship Current sponsor opportunities for the Zoo's programs & events
- Adopt an Animal Support BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo by "adopting an animal" at the zoo!
- About
Today's Hours 9:30am–5:00pm (Last Entry 4:00pm)
About
History
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo was first envisioned by the Recreation and Parks Commission in 1960. In 1965, voters approved a millage election that allocated over three-quarters of a million dollars to build the facility. A zoo director was hired to design and implement the plans, and matching funds were secured from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation.
Construction began in 1966, and the zoo officially opened to the public on Easter Sunday in 1970. Residents of East Baton Rouge embraced the new zoo, developing a strong sense of community ownership, inspired by local television personality Buckskin Bill. His rallying call, “Baton Rouge needs a zoo,” helped unify support across the parish.
Our Mission
The Baton Rouge Zoo connects people with wildlife and the natural world through exceptionally engaging experiences and conservation efforts that impact our world both locally and globally.
Entertainment & Culture
The Zoo is a place where people connect with animals. Over the past 51 years, the Zoo has grown to become the #1 year-round family attraction in Baton Rouge. With more than 200,000 guests each year, the Zoo attracts visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The Zoo is a favorite place for families and groups to discover the animal kingdom.
Conservation
The Zoo is very active in conservation programs and fully participates with other zoos around the world in nearly 30 international Species Survival Plans (SSP) for critically endangered species. Three of these SSP animals, the Guam Rail, Arabian Oryx, and Golden Lion Tamarin, have been successfully reintroduced into the wild and represent living proof of our long-term commitment of reintroduction to strengthen and supplement wild populations of endangered and threatened wildlife.
Education & Research
The Zoo conducts active outreach and in-house educational programs. These programs are aimed at making the public aware of the problems confronting the wildlife of the world. Our educational programs reach thousands of children in school groups each year. Educational programming has expanded to include activities such as community outreach programs, reading programs, day camps, weekend classes, teacher workshops, on-site live animal and artifacts encounters and demonstrations. The demand for our educational programs increases every year.
We also work very closely with the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine conducting research on several species. Behavioral studies are also conducted through other departments at Louisiana State University as well as other colleges throughout our region.
A Facility Of BREC
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo is owned and operated by the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC), a public government agency. BREC was created by an act of the Louisiana State Legislature in 1946 and is governed by a nine member appointed Commission. BREC is funded by Ad Valorem taxes, fees and charges and grants, gifts and donations. The BREC system is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. BREC has won the prestigious National Gold Medal Award for excellence in Recreation and Park Administration in 1975 and 1991. BREC was a finalist for the award in 1998.
Community Support Organization
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo is supported by the Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation. The mission is to support the Zoo and its programs. The foundation works closely with BREC to raise funds for the capital projects, increase attendance through events, and to promote community involvement. The Foundation has a Federal Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) status.
